Ben-DutkaThere's no question that the PlayStation Vita requires fantastic software to be successful. But is it a mistake to focus heavily on creating triple-A portable shooters?
The Vita has two big things going for it, both of which support that idea: Firstly, the analog sticks, which finally make shooters like Resistance: Burning Skies feel natural. Secondly, the slick unit clearly has the power to produce something pretty special, even though modern shooters often take advantage of cutting-edge console and PC technology. So there's no doubt the Vita can do it.
The only question is, should it? Burning Skies wasn't bad but it wasn't great, either, and we've got Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified and a Killzone entry on the way. Also, if you're willing to call the third-person Unit 13 a "shooter," you know the Vita is pushing hard to embrace the popular genre. But aren't such games better played on big screens with fantastic audio setups? Is that not a huge part of the experience? As capable as Sony's new portable is, we're still only looking at a 5" screen, yes?
Maybe it would make more sense to offer more in the way of traditional handheld experiences. The PSP, for instance, delivered a lot of the old-school-type RPGs we really haven't been getting on consoles this generation, not to mention a lot of unique adventures and puzzlers. Sure, the Vita is far more powerful and has every right to aspire to FPS greatness, but will the hardcore fans of that genre respond? Is a handheld shooter really something that appeals to those fans? I think we'll find out when Declassified hits this fall…
I'm just not sold on the theory that shooters can really thrive on the Vita, and I'm really not sold on the idea that shooters should be the best available software on the system. Maybe more stuff like Assassin's Creed: Liberation is needed..or how's about another Dissidia ? That seemed to do awfully well on the PSP. Just a few suggestions, Sony.
